What is Residual Functional Capacity Form?
When someone applies for disability benefits, they have to provide proof that he or she is disabled and cannot perform any task. Social Security officials will check the Residual Functional Capacity report to see if you can perform any essential work or are completely disabled.
A Residual Functional Capacity is defined as what a person can still do despite his or her limitations. It is different from a person’s past work because it considers all of the applicant’s limitations. The form is used to see if the person can do any type of work.
Demonstrating the Residual Functional Capacity
An individual’s residual functional capacity suggests the maximum level of work he or she can perform with their existing health issues. This can include the mental and physical limitations the applicant is facing. The report must be filled out by a medical professional who has treated the applicant for at least three months. The professional must state what the applicant can do and cannot do on a daily basis.
It is important to safeguard all medical examination reports from the beginning. You may also detail your health condition, physical or mental issues, and how these problems or limitations affect your life in a detailed statement. Statements from your close friends and family members who know about your difficulties will also help in this regard.
Abilities That Will Be Determined In Residual Functional Capacity
It will be determined in the RFC whether a person has any physical, mental, or other impairments. This will aid in determining a person’s disability status. The amount of financial compensation is dependent on the degree of disability. Let us look at some further aspects:
- Mental Ailment: A person’s mental ailment can significantly impact his or her life by decreasing the working ability to a great extent. Even if the person is physically fit, he or she will not earn a living or be able to do basic tasks, including daily chores, independently. They may also have a hard time figuring out what to do on their own, or following orders from others. Therefore, they become dependent on others for everything.
- Physical Ailment: A physical ailment can be a hindrance in doing any type of work. The individual may be unable to lift hefty things or stand for lengthy periods of time. It includes everything from standing, sitting, bending, walking, lifting items, writing, and a variety of other activities. He or she may also have issues with stamina and energy levels. It can also lead to pain and discomfort, making it hard to concentrate on anything. The person may also require frequent rest breaks.
- Other Impairments: There can be other impairments that can make it difficult for a person to do any type of work, including vision and hearing problems. They can also include conditions like allergies to specific chemicals or substances, weak eyesight, night blindness, lung problems, heart issues, asthma, hearing issues, epilepsy, seizures, etc., that can prevent a person from working.
The RFC will be done in order to find out all types of ailments. If the applicant is not fit to perform any essential task to live our lives and is dependent on others, he or she may qualify for benefits.
Here Are Some Things To Keep In Mind
The residual functional capacity test helps SSA to rate the functional capacity of disability benefits applicants. The Blue Book Listing of Impairments includes many physical and mental conditions that can prevent a person from working.
The SSA will use the RFC to determine whether an applicant can do any type of work. If the answer is no, then the SSA will find the person disabled. Keep in mind that the SSA may not find that an applicant is disabled based on the RFC alone. The SSA will also consider age, education, past work experience, and any other factors that might affect the ability to adjust to other types of work.
To access the Residual Functional Capacity Form, you will have to apply through the SSA’s website. Your doctor will have to fill out the form and send it back to the SSA.
Can My Doctor Help Me Complete My RFC?
Yes, your doctor can help you complete your RFC form for disability. He or she will need to know how your impairment affects your ability to work. Your doctor will be able to make an accurate assessment of your functional capacity and how much your impairment limits you.
The details like your restricted activities, dependency on others for daily chores, inefficiency to work or do a job, etc., can be well explained by a doctor who is familiar with your situation. It is, therefore, important to have a doctor who can help you with the RFC Form.
Filing RFC Form
Whenever DDS (Disability Determination Services) reviews any disability benefits application, they examine the complete file and sort all the records. The RFC form is an important document in the file as it plays a pivotal role in deciding if the person qualifies for disability benefits or not.
The RFC has all the details about whether you can work or not. If yes, then what kind of work can you perform? It mentions all your symptoms and ailments. Hence, it comes very clear about the applicant’s workability.
It’s critical to submit medical records, therapy processes, and other criteria in support of your claim. This will ensure that your claim includes all required documents to strengthen your case. You can apply for RFC on the SSA’s website.
If you want to apply for benefits for your impairments, schedule a free consultation with a disability attorney today. Our experienced Fort Myers Disability Attorney can help you every step of the way, from filing your initial claim to appealing a denial.